Getting to Know the Real Estate Areas In British Columbia

Whether you're looking to relocate or wanting to invest in beautiful vacation property, nothing is as hot right now as the British Columbia Real Estate Market.

The Canadian province is situated directly north of Washington State, bordered to the east by the Rocky Mountains and by the Pacific Ocean on the west. Because only 6 per cent of the land in B.C. is owned privately, there is a limit to the amount of land available for development. The balance is Crown Land, or land owned by the federal government. This policy is to keep B.C.'s pristine, natural beauty preserved for generations to come.

Former mining towns on the verge of extinction in the Kootenay region are finding new life as resort and recreation centers. That includes Kimberly/Cranbrook and Fernie, a hot spot for snowmobilers and skiers in the winter. North of this region lies Fairmont Hot Springs, Radium and the town of Invermere where condos are being built at a record pace. Vacation homes and time shares are very popular in this area, which includes the resort of Panorama, owned and occupied primarily by those anxious to escape big city life in Calgary, Alberta – just three hours east of this area.

A few hours west through the Roger's Pass is Revelstoke, a small railway town which is just coming into its own as a quiet, rustic get-away location where real estate prices are still reasonable.

Continuing west and then south from Sicamous, you'll come to the Okanagan Valley, a flat, fertile region full of lakes, orchards and micro-wineries. Once known for its population of retirees, more people are flocking to the Okanagan for its easier lifestyle and healthy economy. Whether it's a vacation home or investment property, many areas of the cities of Vernon, Kelowna, Penticton and Kamloops are opening up for development both lake-side and at higher elevations with outstanding mountain views.

Vancouver, located on B. C.'s lower mainland on the West Coast, is one of Canada's three largest cities with very high property values. North of Vancouver is Whistler, a world-class ski resort with on-site condominiums. The entire west coast line, which includes Vancouver Island, is now B. C.'s most sought after areas. With the ocean providing a temperate climate, the coast line offers clean sand beaches, private coves, pastoral forests and a lot of privacy.

Northern British Columbia remains sparsely inhabited but no doubt visionaries will be opening up this part of one of the most beautiful areas in the world.

Tyrel and Torrey will help guide you and stay informed about the Kamloops Property market. Visit their website Homes For Sale In Kamloops for free info.